Spring arrived late this year, but Bridge Premedia has been buzzing with design and prototyping activities all winter long. Among the hundreds of challenges we completed, we're most proud of:

• Our first 3D printed prototype, used in TV and online video promotions• Printing and application of 20,000 bottle labels, and distribution of all samples• Design execution of flavor extensions to a sparkling water line• Renderings of the executed designs, used in an online focus group

The return of the sun to New England means new growth and fresh thinking. For Bridge, it also means we're ready to expand our portfolio of prototyping capabilities. Our material engineering team has developed a series of realistic comps for laminated and thermo-sealed bags and stand-up pouches. Our digitally printed comps are constructed with multi-layer laminates, including high barrier foil, metallized polyester, white poly and/or clear films.

Is your bag re-sealable? We can do that, too. Bridge Premedia stocks a variety of velcro, zipper and slide closures - and we'll even add perf and tear notches for a more functional presentation. Custom sizes and styles are not an issue, and we will be happy to load them with non-perishable fillers for you.Contact us today to talk about how we can freshen up your presentation with a comp so good, you can taste it!

IMAGE CREDIT: McNairn Packaging. Click Photo for more info about this new product from McNairn.

Bridge Premedia recently worked with McNairn Packaging to design new graphics for their range of Artisan Bread Bags. Eight stock sizes of Natural Kraft paper bags with micro-perf side gusset vents - all decorated with something a little different from the typical sheaves of wheat seen on competitor bags. Find them in your local bakery or supermarket today!

Although it may still look and feel like winter in some parts of the U.S., the sun's rays are now much stronger, and the days are growing longer. Nature is waking up and giving us a new level of energy and creativity. The new season has also brought some exciting changes to our operation.

In March, we installed a Kongsberg XN digital cutting and finishing table, driven by Esko's i-Cut Suite. When we saw these at DRUPA 2012, we knew that they would allow Bridge Premedia to expand and speed up our die cut prototyping capacity. By integrating these new tools with direct-to-substrate digital printing, Bridge Premdia has quadrupled our finishing speed for packaging comps.

To celebrate the launch of our new system, and to showcase its abilities, Bridge Premedia's structural and graphic designers had a great idea: let's grow some strawberries. They're a little early for New England, but as always, we try to stay ahead of the curve.

Getting hungry for better prototypes? Head on over to our free sample page and put in your order for a little snack. When you're ready for more, please contact us for fresh, affordable packaging comps.

Way back in 1035, a Persian traveler visiting the spice markets in Cairo recorded the use of paper as a packaging material. Other forms of packaging such as baskets, wooden boxes, pottery, barrels, and woven bags had already appeared across many cultures and geographical regions. By the 19th century, metal cans, paperboard cartons and corrugated containers showed up in dry goods and grocery stores. Surprisingly, it was not until 1953 that Michigan State University offered the first university degree in package engineering.

Packaging today has come a long way since that Egyptian spice market. It plays a much bigger role than just protecting and transporting purchased goods. In the hands of skillful marketers, packaging is a powerful weapon, fighting for our attention on retail battlefields. Every day dazzling substrates, mesmerizing colors and cleverly designed structures continue to ambush us from the shelf, demanding us to surrender our wallets.

As in any war, there are often amazing victories and brilliantly executed attacks. Occasionally, however, there are misfires, casualties or simply…tactical blunders. So, let's play armchair general and see what's going on in the retail trenches:(Click to enlarge photos)

Image: www.enjoyzibra.com/openit/

Irony - or Proof of Concept?It seems like hardware stores are full of absolutely amazing gadgets, built to overcome a very specific daily obstacle, no matter how trivial and pathetic the challenge might be. But what if the gadget is packaged in exactly the same "problem" it was invented to solve?

Image: www.happyplace.com

Down the ToiletEven the most desperate tie-in promotions sometimes reach a point of, well …no return. So, if one day your career requires this level of advertising, you can rest easy, knowing that you won't leave any trace of failure. It will be simply flushed away.

Identity CrisisWhen it comes to product identity statements, we have to balance marketing objectives and legal obligations. Occasionally these two goals collide, creating a spectacular explosion of wordiness and confusion.

So, how can you avoid tactical blunders like these? We recommend pre-market testing before you embark upon full deployment of your product rollout. Taking the time to show your packaging to focus groups or smaller test markets may reveal holes in your plan of attack. And we're happy to provide support for that with prototypes, renderings, sourcing and technical consultation.